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Published By Your City Hall |
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Taking Additional Steps Towards a
New Library Solution
 A little over eight years ago, a structural and geotechnical evaluation of the Coos Bay Public Library revealed the building foundation had failed. As a result of this failure, the building has been experiencing incremental sinking, which is putting stress on the structure, movement and cracking of the concrete slab floor, roof, etc. The stress on the sixty-year-old building is evident throughout the building. We have been told that it is only a matter of time before the building is no longer useable.
Over the last several years, the City and Library supporters have undertaken many tasks as we worked to identify building needs, searched for a new location with enough space for the library with parking area, suitable locations outside of tsunami inundation and 100-year flood zone, and capital funding scenarios, etc.
During the process it was determined that the new library facility should also serve as a disaster preparedness / response component for our community. The kitchen and large meeting rooms could be used to feed and/or a shelter during a post disaster event if needed. In addition, the new facility could house the North Coos 911 / Communication Center, which provides public safety dispatching services to not only Coos Bay, but North Bend, Coquille, Coquille Tribal Police and Southwestern Oregon Community College Security.
Finding a site proved to be very challenging! While there was a desire to have the new facility downtown, finding a two plus acre parcel outside the tsunami inundation and flood zone wasn’t achievable. After considering more than fifteen possible locations, discussions at several public meetings, and collecting input from members of the Library Board, Library Foundation and Friends of the Library, a location was finally approved. The proposed location of the future library facility was identified to be just inside the entrance of John Topits Park off of the Hull Street entrance.
The City hired Hacker Architects to assist with the design of the needed new library. The initial design was completed from which included the renderings below. A 3D visual walk-through of the design which can be viewed at: Hacker Architects - Fly Through.
 In May 2022, the City Council asked the voters to approve a bond to finance the majority of the costs to build the new facility. While only 36% of the register voters voted, the bond was not successful. While there are many who support the library and understand that the current building foundation has failed, we are in difficult economic times with inflation affecting all of us. There is no doubt these circumstances influenced how some voted. For some, change is difficult and the idea of moving the essential services out of the downtown was troubling. Others voiced concern about locating the library in the park.
As we are living on borrowed time with our current library building. We must continue working to find an acceptable solution to build a new facility. At this week’s City Council meeting, the Council discussed and is moving forward with a recommendation from the Library Steering Committee to put together potential project costs should a new facility be built in the downtown area, Empire, or somewhere in-between. Recommendations also included engaging in a robust voter polling process to help in identifying the level of voter support with the various options. The report presented to the Council, which includes summary background / timeline of actions taken to date, can be found at Continued Discussion Regarding Possible Next Steps Towards New Library Facility.
Moving forward, and with your help, we will find an acceptable solution and build the needed new community facility. The Coos Bay Library is a great benefit to our community. The statistics prove that with over 180,000 annual visits each year! Our library is more than just books, it is a community gathering place Working together we can find a solution!
-Joe Benetti, Coos Bay Mayor
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Coos County Launches Resident Survey Regarding County Jail Levy
Coos County is launching a new public survey to better understand the community’s questions or concerns regarding the upcoming ballot measure, 6-204 to fund the opening of additional jail beds.
“We are striving to get input from residents and have entered into an agreement with Zencity, which will be a great step toward really understanding the needs and concerns of our Coos County citizens,” said Commissioner John Sweet.
Zencity is a community input platform used by local governments to hear from more residents to get meaningful and actionable insights. This information will help Coos County stay on top of emerging local issues and better understand the challenges and priorities of those citizens less likely to participate in our traditional meetings and forums. Zencity works with hundreds of municipalities across the U.S. ranging in size from Chicago, Illinois to Hermiston, Oregon.
Residents can find and respond to the survey here https://surveys.zencity.io/coos-
county/Vt1Xf7/en?s=sd. Coos County Levy Survey (zencity.io). The QR code printed at right also links to the survey. Based on responses, the survey will measure resident satisfaction and concerns regarding 6-204.
In keeping with the County’s commitment to transparency and accountability, the survey results will be shared with the public as they become available. Please share your comments and concerns via this short survey.
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 Some businesses have signs which are updated to show how long it has been since there was a recorded “time lost” workplace injury. The City’s Water Quality Division has adapted that format; however, they are tracking how long it has been since a permit violation.
On October 19, 2022, Treatment Plant 1 hit a milestone: one year since the last permit violation. In addition, Treatment Plant 2 hit that same milestone a couple months ago. It has been several years since the either of the plants have operated for a protracted period without a permit violation.
The City of Coos Bay took back the Operations and Maintenance (O&M) duties in-house on July 6, 2021, after privately contracting out these services for almost 26 years. The Water Quality Division is comprised of 16 staff members who operate and maintain the City’s two wastewater treatment plants, 22 sewer lift stations, three storm pump stations, 90 miles of gravity sewer lines, and 50 miles of gravity storm lines.
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Road Closure Eastbound Newmark Avenue Through November
Johnson Rock Products is performing the necessary sanitary sewer extensions for the new Arby’s, Mod Pizza, and Starbucks development soon to be in the northeastern portion of the Walmart parking lot. Due to the work location, the Newmark eastbound lanes will experience lane closures for the next four weeks. This will include a single lane being permanently closed including nights, weekends, and holidays between Southwestern Oregon Community College’s Main Entryway and Fir Street. The work has begun and will extend through the month of November. Detour signs for pedestrians and vehicular traffic will be in place throughout construction. Drivers and pedestrians should exercise caution within the construction zone.
Should you have any questions please feel free to contact Public Works, Engineering Division, at 541-269-8918.
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Temporary Lane Closures Along N. Wasson Street between Newmark and Schetter Avenues
The City has contracted with Knife River Materials for street repairs of Michigan Avenue. Work will consist of repairing asphalt and installing ADA improvements. The work will take place beginning at 7 a.m. and ending by 6 p.m. The work will require N. Wasson Street to be closed between Newmark and Schetter avenues as shown in the below map. Work is scheduled to commence Friday, October 28, 2022. Work is anticipated to extend through mid-December 2022. Access will be provided to local residents. Please reduce speeds and use caution when near the construction zone.
Any questions related to this closure can be directed to Knife River Materials at (541) 269-1915 or the Public Works and Community Development Department at 541-269-8918.
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Birding the Millicoma Marsh
 Come enjoy great views of the bay and one of the best birding spots in Coos County on Wednesday, Nov. 9 from 10 a.m.- 12 p.m. Interpreter, binoculars and spotting scopes provided. Dress for the weather. Meet in the parking lot directly behind the old Millicoma Intermediate School on 4th Avenue in Eastside. [Max. – 15 participants]. Hosted and organized by South Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve. This event is free but registration is required.
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 The Coos History Museum (CHM) three coastal tribes; the Coquille Indian Tribe, the Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians (CTCLUSI), and the Confederated Tribes of the Siletz Indians (CTSI) will lead a discussion about “Native American Language Revitalization on the Oregon South Coast”. This program will be hosted in a hybrid format, with options to join online via Zoom or in-person at the CHM with doors open from 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Registration for this presentation is free for CHM members, $7 for non-members attending in-person and $5 for non-members attending online.
Join Troy Anderson, Miluk language contractor (Coquille Indian Tribe), Jaeci Hall, Language Coordinator (Coquille Indian Tribe), Enna Helms, Tribal Linguist (CTCLUSI), Patti Whereat-Philips, Language Teacher (CTSLUSI) and a representative from the Confederated Tribes of the Siletz Indians for a free flow discussion about their work and learn about Native language revitalization efforts, and its significance to our local tribes.
To register for this program please visit the CHM website (cooshistory.org/events/first-tuesday-talks-nov-2022) or register at the Coos History Museum’s front desk. You may also contact the museum via email at director@cooshistory.org or by phone at 541-756-6320, extension 213.
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The City of Coos Bay is seeking a volunteer to a fill position on the Parks Commission. Applications are available from the City Manager’s Office at City Hall, requesting via email at administration@coosbay.org, or on the City’s website at www.coosbay.org. Applications will be accepted in the City Manager’s Office through 5 p.m. on November 25, 2022. Applicants will be contacted to schedule interviews with the City Council, potentially at the December 6, 2022, City Council meeting.
About the Parks Commission
The Parks Commission is comprised of one City Councilor, one Planning Commissioner, and remaining positions are filled by interested persons. Membership, if possible, should include a landscape design professional, landscaping business professional, design professional, and parks management professional. Applications must be a resident of the City of Coos Bay or own property in the City. The Parks Commission meets once a month, although during the winter months, commission meetings may not be held if there is not business before the commission. There is currently one vacant position on the Parks Commission.
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Trick or Treat with CBDA
 Can you believe it? Halloween is just around the corner. The Coos Bay Downtown Association (CBDA) would like you and your children to join us for our annual Trick or Treat in Downtown, Front Street and Coos Bay Village. It is held on Monday, October 31 from 3-5 p.m. Just look for the large orange pumpkin poster (above) and there will be candies for the children. For more information, click button below. We can't wait to celebrate with you!
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Downtown Open House for the Holidays
 The perfect solution for getting into the holiday spirit and working on your gift giving list is to come to Coos Bay downtown for the Annual Downtown Holiday Open Houses.
Mark your calendars for Friday, November 11 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday, November 12 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. as participating businesses open their doors for the Holiday Open Houses Browse participating shops for gift giving inspirations and Holiday home décor while entering to win door prizes. Start your shopping journey at Katrina Kathleen’s Home Décor – 191 S Broadway or Checkerberry’s Flowers & Gifts – 1290 N. Bayshore Drive (Coos Bay Village) and pickup your Downtown Open House map to more shops all waiting to show you their latest for the gift giving season.
On November 11, start collecting those receipts! From November 11-26, shoppers who collect $100 in receipts from Coos Bay Downtown merchants can turn them in on Shop Small Saturday, November 26 at Jennie’s Shoe Store – 262 Central Ave for a commemorative Marshfield District mug from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., while supplies last.
Eat, Shop, Mingle and Explore your Coos Bay Downtown for the holidays! To learn more about the event and check out a map of participating businesses visit www.coosbaydowntown.org and follow us of Facebook.
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JOB ANNOUNCEMENT
Contracts Administrative Specialist
The City of Coos Bay is soliciting applications for the position of Contract Administrative Specialist. To apply for the position, interested parties should submit a city application, resume, and letter of interest to the City Manager’s Office or by email at administration@coosbay.org. City applications are available from the City Manager’s Office, City Hall, 500 Central Avenue, Coos Bay, Oregon 97420, requested by email at admnistration@coosbay.org, or listed under Government, Job Openings on the City’s website www.coosbay.org. The deadline for receiving applications is 5 p.m. November 14, 2022. For full announcement and application packet, click button below.
JOB ANNOUNCEMENT
Engineering Services Coordinator
The City of Coos Bay is soliciting applications for the position of Engineering Services Coordinator. The City may consider underfilling this position with an Engineering Technician (Monthly salary range $4,197-$5,235). To apply for the position, interested parties should submit a city application, resume, and letter of interest to the City Manager’s Office. City applications are available from the City Manager’s Office, City Hall, 500 Central Avenue, Coos Bay, Oregon 97420, request by email to administration@coosbay.org, or listed under Government, Job Openings on the City’s website www.coosbay.org. This position will be opened until filled. The first review of completed applications is November 15, 2022. For full announcement and application packet, click button below.
JOB ANNOUNCEMENT
WQ Treatment Operator
The City of Coos Bay is soliciting applications for a Treatment Operator position. This position can be filled as a Treatment Operator-in-Training, I, or II, depending upon qualifications of selected applications. To apply for the position, interested parties should submit a city application, resume, and letter of interest to the City Manager’s Office. Applications are available from the City Manager’s Office, City Hall, 500 Central Avenue, Coos Bay, Oregon 97420, by telephone 541-269-8912, or listed under Government, Job Openings on the City’s website www.coosbay.org. This job will be opened until November 7, 2022, at 5 p.m. All information must be submitted for the application to be accepted. For complete announcement and application packet, click button below.
JOB ANNOUNCEMENT
Planner II
The City of Coos Bay is soliciting applications for the position of full-time Planner II. To apply for the position, interested parties should submit a city application, resume, and letter of interest to the City Manager’s Office or by email at administration@coosbay.org. City applications are available from the City Manager’s Office, City Hall, 500 Central Avenue, Coos Bay, OR 97420, by telephone 541-269-8912, by email: administration@coosbay.org or listed under Government, Job Openings on the City’s website www.coosbay.org. For complete announcement and application packet, click button below.
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